How to Make a Terrarium for Salamanders and Newts

Though salamanders and newts superficially resemble lizards, they are actually amphibious members of the order Caudata. These animals lay eggs that produce tadpoles that develop in water before metamorphosing into adults. Though most adult salamanders and newts are terrestrial, some spend their entire lives in water. Before setting up your pet's terrarium, consult a care sheet or guide book to determine its specific habitat needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass aquarium
  • Sphagnum or peat moss
  • Water mister
  • Floating island
  • Water dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an enclosure that is wider than it is tall. Neither salamanders nor newts are good climbers and prefer ample floor space. Reptile terrariums with plastic lids are acceptable enclosures for these animals, but aquariums are healthier and provide better ventilation. The minimum size for two salamanders or newts is 10 gallons.

    • 2

      Add moist sphagnum or peat moss to the bottom of the terrarium. This substrate should be a minimum of 3 inches thick. There are two ways to keep the terrarium sufficiently moist. One is to add a very large water bowl to the enclosure and to mist moss daily with a water mister. The second approach is to use 6 or more inches of moss and add 1 inch less of water. For example, for 6 inches of moss, add 5 inches of water. This allows animals to dig down into water when they wish to gain access and keeps humidity levels high. Salamanders and newts still require a water dish with this setup.

    • 3

      Design an aquatic terrarium for aquatic salamanders and newts. A 10 to 20 gallon glass aquarium is sufficient for most species. Fill with water and add water dechlorinator 12 hours before adding your pet. Add a floating island, which will provide your pet with a land area to dry off and absorb light. The larval stage will also thrive in this sort of terrarium.